Godderis, Francis Michael “Bud”

July 10, 1933– December 15, 2016

Bud passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, surrounded by family and friends in the family room at KBRH.

He was a gentle man, full of fun and laughter whose life was marked by profound compassion and love for others, a commitment to peace with justice, for reconciliation with first nations and for the healing of the earth. He never stopped reaching out and learning.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann, daughters Jean Holden (Mo El Azhari), and Karen Miller (Mark), grandchildren Sam and Grace Miller, sister Joanne (Sandy) Irvine, brother Gene (Kari Trefiler) sisters in law, Jan Morton and Lynn Green (Colin) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his father and mother Henry (Hank) and Edna (Maclean). Bud was very proud of his Dad, the last CPR station master in Rossland and Castlegar, and his mother, a caring nurse.

Over the years he was, among many things, a camp counsellor, youth leader, educator and school principal, mountain climber and skier, catholic priest, hospital social worker, spiritual mentor, fisher of fish, poet, walking stick maker, 5th step listener, hospice volunteer, advocate for ending all violence and poverty, human rights activist, proud trade unionist, jokester, dog walker, path maker, city councilor, sports jock, accompanier of Central Americans, singer, loving husband, brother, uncle and poppa and, most recently, a member of the Doukhobor community. He engaged people “where they were at”, supporting, encouraging and welcoming them into his life.

The family wishes to thank the skilled paramedics and nurses who helped Bud. Special thanks to Dr. Phillips whose compassionate thoughtfulness gave us one more day to say our goodbyes. We also thank Dr. Hii for his years of care.

All are welcome to a celebration of Bud’s life on Tuesday afternoon, January 3 at 1pm in the Brilliant Cultural Centre, followed by a Doukhobor prayer service on Wednesday morning, January 4 at 10 am. Vaya con Dios, Pancho.

Donations can be made in Bud’s honor, to any of the charities listed below.

About Castlegar Funeral Chapel

Condolence Messages

Dear Ann and family: Elmer and I were so terribly sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. He was a wonderful and we both feel very blessed to have known him and have him as a friend. Please take care of yourselves and if there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to call. God Bless. Elmer and Bev Williams

Dear Ann & Family . . . What a beautiful human being was Bud! They don’t come much better. We were so saddened Ann to hear of his passing. He has a special place in our hearts. So many fond nemories. One special one is that he baptized both our boys in his other life as a wonderful priest. Cherish your memories Ann & all those beautiful moments you shared. You’re in our thoughts & prayers.

I met Bud when I worked as a nurse on Medical at the Trail Hospital. He was the most genuine and caring social worker. He went above and beyond in his caring. I remember his smiling and laughing which always made a hard day better. My thoughts are with the family.

I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Bud was an excellent social worker and coworker. I will miss seeing and chatting with him on the trail in Castlegar along with Mr.Bud. He was such a thoughtful and caring human being who touched so many lives.

We met Bud through Scott’s late brother, Grant, when the two of them were close friends, having met each other through the local cable companies’ community programming and going on to mountain climb together, along with general socializing. Bud was in the process of leaving the priesthood, and Grant was a cable company technician. Later, Irene and I worked through Bud, when adopting our son. And finally, both of us worked extensively with Bud as coworkers at the hospital. In all facets of our contacts with Bud, we felt loved and welcome. Always uplifting, even in serious times. Our sincere condolences to Ann, Jean, Karen, Joanne, Gene, Jan, Lynn, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dear Ann and family, We are very sorry for your loss. Although we didn’t know Bud well, I always enjoyed meeting him along the trail with his dog. In fact, I always refer to that one part of the trail as “Bud’s Trail.” He usually hung things in the trees and always sported another walking stick he had just carved. It was so interesting talking to him about what he had done in his life. Take good care of yourselves through this difficult time! Sincerely, Ginny & Ken Brownlie

I knew Bud from working at the hospital. Such a wonderful, genuine man. I felt too, that he was living according to his principles. He had a gentle and humorous approach that made him a wonderful social worker and co-worker. All who knew him will miss him greatly.

Cecil and I are saddened to hear that Bud has passed on. He was truly a bright light amid us, a gentleman extraordinaire, and an angel on Earth. Our love to Ann, Karen, and the rest of your family. Ruth

“Father Bud” was much loved by his students as our first principal in our brand new school many years ago. He went on to do so much more in his lifetime. I was brought to tears when, 36 yrs later, he came to our mother’s funeral in Nelson. Meant so much to all of us. An inspiration to so many in his path.

~ His life was gentle… ‘n the elements So mixed in him…. that Nature might stand up ‘N say to all the world….. This…. was a man ~

I am profoundly saddened of learning of the passing of Father Godderis… as a young child attending St. Joseph school in Kelowna BC… I was blessed to have spent amazing time with Father Godderis… to have been influenced by him… He touched my life ‘n the lives of countless others….

Please accept our heartfelt condolences….’n just know that we share in your loss of an incredible man….

Truly sorry to hear of “Father Buds” passing. He was our principle, mentor & friend. He was always available to talk to and was a good listener. He inspired me to start skiing on one of our many field trips. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

I am so sorry to hear of “Father Bud’s” passing. He was a rock for me growing up at Immaculata High in Kelowna. A dear, sweet soul! He always had a ear for me – helped me thru some tough times. My heart is sad! But he is fishing now with the Angels!

Dear Ann and family; we are sorry for your loss and saddened by Bud’s passing for he truly made the world a better place in so many ways. In high school he was my teacher, mentor, basketball coach and leader of many memorable youth group trips. His stage performance with the grade 12 guys of “The Sunflower Seed Song” was as amazing as it was unforgettable.

As a priest he enabled enlightenment because he engaged on so many levels and lived his beliefs in all ways. He came back to Kelowna to officiate my wedding and added memorable moments to that as well.

Although our paths rarely crossed in later years I have and will always carry him in my heart. Bud remains a most rare and precious soul.

Dear Ann, Joanne, Gene and all of Bud’s families, I certainly am experiencing many differing emotions as I sit at my computer in Kimberley. I offer my condolences to each of you and my apologies for the tardiness of this message but I only received this shocking news on Feb. 8th. Please know that I have you all in my thoughts and prayers this day. As I deal with MY feeling of LOSS,, I am also laughing, smiling, crying and enjoying a warm feeling that Bud’s name brings to me. Our paths crossed often. As a very wee boy, my Godmother, was one of the Goddeeris’ neighbours and baby sitter. When I left home to go to College at Notre Dame in Nelson, Bud was the Student Council president and led us in a Snake Parade through downtown Nelson….. just to make us ‘new ones’ feel comfortable & welcome. I was honoured to be present when he was ordained and again our paths crossed when I joined the Immaculata staff in Kelowna. The Sperling family home always was gracious when he would join us for a visit, a meal or just a time away from the School. I laugh today as I remember his wedding gift to us when we got married…… a monsterous snow shovel for me and a wee tiny one for my man. We are experiencing snow, snow, and more snow right now. After he and Ann were married they welcomed me into their loving home any time I knocked. We even sometimes chatted on the phone……… reminiiscing On occasion we even travelled back to Kelowna for special celebrations. Oh so MANY wonderful images are flying through my mind and I want you all to know that my prayers are with you and I would love to keep in touch. Love & prayers, Myra

Dear Ann, Joanne, Gene & all the family, My heartfelt condolences to each of you. I am also experiencing A great loss as Bud was a dear friend to me …… for a long time! Not only was he a friend from my College days at Notre Dame, I was honoured to be at his first school as Principal. We remained friends ever since. When I got married, he came to the reception & presented snow shovels as a gift. “His” was a child’s wee sand shovel; “Hers” was a giant-sized, heavy snow shovel. Could be using it still as we are getting lots of snow these days. Sorry this is late but my newsline is getting slower. I would love to keep in touch if ever you get over my way. I have many marvelous memories of Bud & all he did for others, including me. You will all be in my prayers.

Dear Ann and Family, Fr. Bud hired me for my first teaching job at the original Immaculata High School in Kelowna in 1969. I was the wide-eyed American infuriated over my country’s vain foray into Vietnam. Like most people who knew him, I loved Bud immediately for his gentleness and his easy smile and laugh. People felt warmed by his presence. We played on a curling team together, and he took me up skiing on Big White (treacherous). In all my 40 years in the classroom I’ve never forgotten him and the chance he gave me to learn my craft and experience some wonderful people in Kelowna, whom I still miss after all these years. Of all the principals I’ve ever had (8) Bud’s indelible influence has remained with me longest because he was truly Christ-like. It is coincidental that after retirement both he and I took up Hospice work. I feel very sad at his death but heartened knowing that I will see him again in the next life. If ever there was a time for more men like him, it is now. I revel in the example he gave me. Much love to you and your family.